Construction World September 2024

Construction SEPTEMBER 2024 PUBLICATIONS CROWN COVERING THE WORLD OF CONSTRUCTION

WORLD

The importance of engaging with civil engineering companies and contractors registered with BCCEI

New N2 Belstone INTERCHANGE OPENED

Teamwork overcomes multiple challenges to reopen HIGHWAY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

90 YEARS OF SERVING EACH PHASE OF SA’S GROWTH

I let MY SANY DO THE HEAVY LIFTING.

QUALITY CHANGES THE WORLD

GAUTENG: 2 Saligna St, Witfield, Boksburg, 1459 RUSTENBURG: 20A Mangaan street, Ziniaville, 2999 MIDDELBURG: 1 Celsuis St, Industria, Middelburg, 1050 DURBAN: 2 Hillclimb Rd, Pinetown, 3608 RICHARDS BAY: Unit 4, Elephant Park, 62 Ceramic Curve, Alton KIMBERLEY: 36 Landbou Rd, South Ridge, 8300

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

04

04 Importance of engaging civil engineering companies and contractors registered with BCCEI This registration signifies a commitment to adhering to established wage agreements. 06 50 years of innovation and excellence This year marks a significant milestone for Databuild. 12 ‘Virtually getting away with murder’ Many owners of construction companies do not fully understand the gravity of their culpability. 18 Moving mountains with John Deere ADTs John Deere continues to innovate. 26 Teamwork overcomes multiple challenges to reopen highway ahead of schedule Zimile Consulting Engineers opens N2 highway month early. 29 Paving the way ahead Products developed for road engineering conditions in Africa. 30 Growing role for CHRYSO admixtures in East Africa’s construction boom CHRYSO East Africa has grown its offerings to the market. 34 SA architects rally to tackle housing shortage While urbanisation is a worldwide development, the growth rate is the fastest in Africa. 36 dhk Architects completes The Rubik The Rubik is a 27-storey tower in the heart of the Cape Town CBC.

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REGULARS 04 MARKETPLACE 18 ROADS AND BRIDGES 30 READYMIX 32 ENVIRONMENT 34 PROJECTS

ON THE COVER

Throughout its 90 years, construction materials leader AfriSam has been an active champion of leading edge technology and global best practice in South Africa; from high performance materials and durability standards to advanced mixes and sustainable solutions, it has over the decades become a pillar of the construction sector. Turn to page 14

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COMMENT

Over the last few years the construction landscape in South Africa has changed rapidly to now include technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM). This technology is changing how projects are planned and executed – and can be applied to civils and building. BIM is by no means limited to building, but infrastructure projects have been slower in the uptake. B IM streamlines processes and enhances collaboration in the delivery of projects. It is an IT “enabled approach that involves the application and maintenance of a fundamental digital representation of a building and all its information throughout the different stages of the project”. Simply put, BIM is a digital representation of a building or structure’s physical and functional characteristics. Various aspects, which have up to now largely been worked on separately, are integrated. These include architectural design, structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, and construction sequencing. This technology enables stakeholders to visualise, simulate, and analyse the entire project lifecycle. The process obviously fosters enhanced collaboration between all

parties concerned – from stakeholders to engineers to contractors, and makes design and planning more efficient as architects, engineers and contractors can create 3D models to simulate the real conditions. This enables troubleshooting in the planning and execution of the project and leads to cost and time savings that will have a direct impact on the bottom line. It seems like a win-win situation, but in the labour-intensive construction industry, BIM is often viewed as ‘too much’ of a winning technology against which there is a fair amount of resistance – especially in infrastructure projects where BIM is viewed as a threat to employment and traditional workflows. However, the momentum to embrace BIM in South Africa is slowly growing, with the recent BIMHarambee 2024 that focused on preparing people

and organisations to be ‘Fit for BIM? - People + Business’. It addressed two critical aspects of mature BIM adoption and implementation: People (skills, roles and responsibilities) and Business (organisational changes necessary for digital transformation). At this event it was highlighted that cities like Cape Town are leading the way by adopting BIM for managing their municipal infrastructure. Cape Town's Transport and Urban Development Authority is leveraging BIM to improve the planning, design, and maintenance of public infrastructure.

Wilhelm du Plessis Editor

EDITOR & DEPUTY PUBLISHER Wilhelm du Plessis constr@crown.co.za ADVERTISING MANAGER Erna Oosthuizen ernao@crown.co.za LAYOUT & GRAPHIC ARTIST

PUBLISHER Karen Grant

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PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd P O Box 140 BEDFORDVIEW, 2008 Tel: 27 11-622-4770

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The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.

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AfriSam Roadstab Cement is a high quality cement, speci cally engineered and designed to reduce plasticity and enhance the strength and stability of road-based materials. Cement Your Legacy and Ask for AfriSam.

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MARKETPLACE

Importance of engaging civil engineering companies AND CONTRACTORS REGISTERED WITH BCCEI When it comes to infrastructure and civil engineering projects, the importance of selecting companies registered with the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI) cannot be overstated.

T his registration signifies a commitment to adhering to established wage agreements, fostering fair labour practices and ensuring a stable and ethical industry. Prioritising these companies that are in good standing is crucial for the economy for several compelling reasons. All civil engineering companies and contractors, including many of those working within the surface mining sector, are bound by the wage agreements set forth by the BCCEI, and are furnished with a Letter of Good Standing by the Council. This ensures that employees receive fair compensation, aligned with the legislated minimum wage standards. By maintaining these standards, companies that are in good standing help ensure fair compensation, enhance worker morale and productivity, and reduce income inequality. “Fair wages contribute to higher job satisfaction, which in turn boosts productivity and overall project quality,” says Lindie Fourie, Operations Manager at the BCCEI. The adherence to wage agreements by registered and compliant companies ensures that contracts are not secured through unethical cost cutting measures, such as underpaying employees. This is critical for creating a level playing field where companies compete based on the quality of their work and efficiency rather than exploiting labour costs. “Ethical labour practices lead to sustainable business models, which benefit the industry in the long run and help stabilise the market, ensuring that all players have an equal opportunity to succeed,” she says. When projects are awarded to companies that are in good standing with the BCCEI, it drives the entire industry towards higher standards. This encompasses not only fair wages but also compliance with safety regulations, investment in training and development and quality assurance. These companies are more likely to adhere to safety

standards, reducing workplace accidents and promoting a culture of safety, and such compliant companies significantly reduce the risk of job stoppages and unnecessary delays on a project. Further, Fourie says, ensuring fair wages allows companies to invest in their workforce through training and development, leading to a more skilled labour force. Higher standards in labour practices often translate to higher quality in project execution, benefiting clients and the community at large. The positive impact of engaging companies that are compliant extends beyond the industry itself. It contributes to broader economic growth by creating more job opportunities and reducing unemployment rates, especially at a time when South Africa needs this most. It also increases consumer spending as workers receiving fair wages have more disposable income, which stimulates demand for goods and services in the economy. A stable, ethical industry is also more attractive to investors, leading to increased investment in infrastructure and development projects. “By prioritising companies that are registered with the BCCEI and adhere to BCCEI regulations, we not only support fair wages but also drive economic growth through job creation and increased consumer spending,” Fourie emphasises. “Lastly, choosing companies that adhere to BCCEI regulations reflects a commitment to corporate social responsibility, and demonstrates the industry values ethical practices, community engagement and long-term viability,” she continues. “These companies are seen as responsible employers who value their workforce, strengthening the relationship between companies and the communities they operate in, and such ethical companies are more likely to be viewed as long-term partners in development, fostering ongoing economic collaboration.” 

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MARKETPLACE

50 years of innovation AND EXCELLENCE This year marks a significant milestone for Databuild as the company celebrates 50 years of continued commitment to innovation, excellence, and service in the construction industry. Founded in June 1974 by Peter and Matilda Burger in the garage of their Bryanston home, Databuild has evolved from its humble beginnings into a key player in the construction and allied industries.

for Databuild. In 2005, the company launched Webleads, now known as Databuild Online, providing clients with access to specific project information from anywhere via the internet. This move revolutionised the way construction project information was accessed and used, laying the foundation for future innovations. Today, Databuild offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. From project lead generation and sales management systems to product promotion and market intelligence, Databuild is a key strategic partner for the construction and allied industries. Looking ahead As the company celebrates its 50 th anniversary, Evans reflects on its journey from a small garage operation to a leading industry partner in construction.

T he Burgers started Databuild as a lead tracking service, manually collecting and disseminating information on residential projects. Matilda reminisces, “I did the phoning during the day and the typing at night. We covered domestic and non-domestic projects, using whatever information we could obtain from the municipalities. If we couldn’t find an address in the telephone directory, I would call local pharmacies to ask if they knew the homeowner. It was very antiquated, but it worked.” The company’s dedication to providing reliable information quickly paid off. By 1992, Databuild had embraced new computer systems, allowing them to sort information according to clients’ specific needs. Projects were automatically sorted and faxed to clients, marking the beginning of Databuild’s journey into the digital age. In 1996, as Peter and Matilda emigrated to America, Databuild was sold to BillCad, a newly listed company specialising in construction software. After a few years, the leadership torch was passed to Morag Evans, who became the Managing Director and later the CEO. Under her visionary leadership, Databuild joined the Centric Group in 2002, becoming the first of seven companies in the group. Embracing technological advancements The early 2000s were a period of significant transformation

“Our mission has always been to provide our clients with the most accurate, real-time data to help them grow their businesses. Innovation is in our lifeblood, and we will continue to explore new technologies, opportunities, and approaches for the next 50 years. “We would like to extend our deepest thanks to our loyal clients, dedicated employees, and supportive partners. Your trust and confidence in Databuild have been instrumental in our success. As we celebrate this golden milestone, we look forward to the next 50 years of shared success and continued partnership.”  ABOUT DATABUILD Databuild is a knowledge hub for the construction and related industries and acknowledged as the source of all intelligence required by all stakeholders in the industry. The company supports this expertise with a spectrum of services, including its flagship offering Databuild Online, a dynamic and detailed online database of contacts, projects and tender opportunities available in South Africa and other African countries. Clients have access to reliable and real-time information to proactively and timeously market products and services to the right industry players and thus increase business opportunities throughout the industry supply chain.

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Prioritising the NURTURING OF YOUNG TALENT Youth unemployment stands at a staggering 45,5% for individuals aged 15-34, significantly higher than the national average of 32,9% in the first quarter of 2024, as reported by Statistics South Africa. Furthermore, the annual panel data highlights that young people who have some work experience are much more likely to move from being unemployed or inactive to being employed between quarters. G VK-Siya Zama is taking proactive steps to tackle the skills drain in South Africa’s construction sector by fostering and retaining young talent. The company’s strategic

initiatives centred on professional development, innovation, and mentorship, address industry challenges and shape the sector’s future. Thabang Mathabathe, a 24-year-old Quantity Surveyor intern with a Diploma in Building Science from Tshwane University of Technology, reflects on his internship at the company: "Since joining as a Quantity Surveying intern, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from various industry professionals and take on significant responsibilities.” Mathabathe continues, “The day-to-day experiences have only strengthened my ambition and taught me the essential practical skills of a good quantity surveyor. Job satisfaction is a significant benefit and being part of a team that contributes to successful projects brings a sense of accomplishment. I am proud to be part of the construction industry and to say I am one in #BuildingStrength,” quoting the company’s slogan. Fezeka Mpongwana, a 27-year-old Civil Engineering intern from the Mthatha campus of King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College, says despite the challenges facing the South African construction industry, she remains passionate and optimistic about her role in it. “My journey in this industry has been good as I continue to learn and grow in my career. I enjoy collaborating with others and find great satisfaction in working with my hands.” Danielle Francis, a 22-year-old Junior Quantity Surveyor with a BSc in Quantity Surveying from the University of Pretoria, started at GVK-Siya Zama on a refurbishment project for the University of Pretoria, which she described as ‘overwhelming’. She adds: “However, this opportunity offered insights beyond classroom learning. Under the guidance and tutoring of both a junior and senior quantity surveyor, I’ve learnt about client interactions and project complexities, enhancing both my professional skills and personal growth.” Unathi Mpayithethi, a Coega Development Corporation appointed Document Controller from KSD TVET College’s Mthatha campus (Cicira), has navigated a challenging yet rewarding path into the construction industry. “The industry is opening up more opportunities for young women, and I'm driven to inspire others to consider it,” she says. Ricardo Hoffman, a 25-year-old Junior Quantity Surveyor, recounts his path: “My journey began at HTS Daniel Pienaar THS, South Africa’s oldest technical high school, where I chose Civil Technology. This sparked my interest in construction, and studying Building Science at Nelson Mandela University provided clarity, offering career paths like Construction Management and Quantity Surveying. “During my first year, amid the Covid-19 pandemic's challenges, I adapted to online learning. As the semester ended, a project assigned by our lecturer took me to construction sites for comparative analysis. At a GVK-Siya

Cathy Strydom, HR Manager.

Zama site in Forest Hill, the late Mr. Crane, a Contracts Manager, generously assisted despite his busy schedule, leaving a lasting impression on me. The following year, the company hired me as a student under Simone Vermaak's mentorship, solidifying my path to becoming a quantity surveyor.” Cathy Strydom, an experienced HR Manager who has served at the construction company for over 25 years, provides an overview of the internship process and its objectives: “At GVK, we aim to bridge the gap between the theoretical training obtained at the tertiary institutions and the practical application of this knowledge on site.” Strydom, who is based in the Eastern Cape, says the objective is to ensure that the students are exposed to all facets of the business and experience the aspects of both commercial and production activities and how they integrate with each other. The company has a structured student programme whereby a seasoned mentor is assigned to the student, and together, they will navigate through the internship. A key takeaway from the students is that GVK-Siya Zama offers opportunities for personal and professional growth through practical experience and mentorship. Each young professional highlighted how their hands-on experiences guided by experienced mentors have enhanced their technical skills and shaped their careers. Group executive Amelia Keefer, comments that the company’s student and mentorship programme not only builds careers for young construction professionals, it also makes a manifest contribution to a vibrant company culture and the reciprocity of learning. “It keeps us relevant and on our toes.” 

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MARKETPLACE

Strategic partnerships: key to advancing INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT In today's rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape, strategic partnerships have emerged as a cornerstone for advancing development across various sectors. Collaboration between government entities, private sector firms, and community stakeholders are not only essential for project delivery but also enhance efficiency and lead to superior quality outcomes.

Dr. Nolwandle Mgoqi, CEO of Aon South Africa.

C hris Campbell, CEO of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), explains that strategic partnerships are instrumental in addressing the multifaceted challenges of infrastructure development. “By leveraging the strengths and resources of different stakeholders, collaboration fosters innovative solutions that can overcome financial constraints and streamline project execution. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), in particular, have proven effective in mobilising private investment, facilitating knowledge transfer, and ensuring long-term asset management. This collaborative approach enables the sharing of risks and rewards, ultimately leading to improved service delivery and enhanced community benefits.” The CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards which took place on 14 August 2024, showcased several exemplary strategic partnerships that have made notable contributions to infrastructure development. “These collaborations involve various member firms, their partners and clients, each playing a vital role in contributing to excellence in infrastructure development. These collective efforts not only demonstrate the power of collaboration but also set a benchmark for future initiatives,” adds Campbell. Dr. Nolwandle Mgoqi, CEO of Aon South Africa, reinforces this sentiment: “Aon understands and appreciates the

pivotal role that strategic partnerships play in building a sector that consistently grows and delivers excellence. It is these collaborative partnerships that deliver much needed infrastructure projects that lay the foundations for a more optimistic future for our communities, businesses, and economy. Infrastructure development significantly transforms societies in multiple ways, impacting economic growth, social development, quality of life, job creation, service delivery, social integration, sustainability and disaster preparedness. Infrastructure development is a cornerstone for societal transformation and at the heart of any and all progress and economic growth. “At Aon, we see it as our role to facilitate an environment where all the role players in infrastructure projects - from contractors, owners, developers, engineers, architects, designers, financiers and investors - are able to successfully navigate the expanding construction and infrastructure risk environment. “We do this by bringing our data and analytics, insights and tools to access the full extent of the risk capital value chain on every project, ensuring that every role player is able to make better decisions across their risk capital and human capital needs, to build a more resilient and sustainable future,” she concludes. 

Reforms to combat CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS In an era marked by the escalating impacts of climate change, the importance of developing resilient infrastructure has never been more critical. Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) is at the forefront of advocating for robust infrastructural strategies to combat the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

C onsulting Engineers South Africa CEO Chris Campbell, highlighted the necessity of revising infrastructure standards in response to more frequent and severe weather events. “For example, there have been revisions of standards regarding how close structures should be built to water courses. These standards are being updated to reflect the increased intensity and frequency of severe storms.” He further elaborated that traditional statistical models, which predict storm events every 100 years, are no longer sufficient. “These flood lines now have to move further back to ensure safety and resilience.” Local authorities play a vital role in this transition. “It's not just developers at fault; local authorities must enforce compliance with updated bylaws and building regulations,” Campbell asserted. Failure to do so, he warned, would result in more human catastrophes and property losses.

One of the pressing issues is the construction of informal settlements near water courses, making them highly vulnerable to flooding. “People building informal settlements close to water courses do so out of necessity, but this makes them incredibly vulnerable,” Campbell said. He also pointed out that even high value properties built close to water bodies for scenic views are at great risk, emphasising the importance of adherence to revised building regulations. The call to action is clear: integrated efforts from government, developers, and the community are essential to create resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change. “Building resilient infrastructure is not just about new projects but maintaining and adapting our current systems to ensure they can cope with future demands,” Campbell concluded. 

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MARKETPLACE

Repair of critical infrastructure presents a good case FOR A LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIALISATION PROGRAMME Fresh off the Infrastructure Africa (IA) Conference hosted in Cape Town on the 16 and 17 July 2024, one is enthusiastic about the character of the discussion and the appreciation of the fact that infrastructure development is paramount to unlocking growth in South Africa and on the African continent. By Tafadzwa Chibanguza, is the Chief Operations Officer of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa

I nsights about financing, regulatory reform, policy coordination and co-operation to achieve this end will be the topics of discussion for weeks to come. Particularly important is the role that infrastructure investment can play in unlocking demand for the Metals and Engineering (M&E) Sector which enjoys markets in the mining, agriculture, construction, automotive, logistics, water and the energy supply industry. However, what is critical to highlight is that while multi billion and long-term infrastructure investments are critical for industrialisation, there is an intermediate discussion that needs to be had. That is, the massive scale industrialisation project that can be achieved through repairing the existing infrastructure which has continued to deteriorate due to under-investment and maintenance backlogs. This is a reality across most critical infrastructure areas namely: rail, energy, municipal services and increasingly worrying,

water infrastructure. While it is obvious to mention that the country’s poor economic growth outcome can be attributed to the bottlenecks in these respective areas, some of the immediate challenges faced by companies as a result of the infrastructure decay are as shocking as they are horrifying. One recent example is of a multinational company operating in the East of Johannesburg that had to invest in a large-scale back-up fire suppression system at the staggering capital cost of R12 million. This ‘investment’ was necessitated by the company partially failing an ad hoc insurance inspection because there was no water coming out of the grid-based fire suppression system. This spend presents an opportunity cost for the company’s capital allocation and by the same token the end consumer will regrettably bear this cost. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has on numerous occasions highlighted its concern about the pace of

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increases in administered prices and their impact on general inflation. The administered price trajectory is largely a function of these inefficiencies in infrastructure. Year-to date 2024, administered price inflation was recorded at 8,02%, against a consumer price index (CPI) of 5,2% over the same period. It is noteworthy that approximately 35%-40% of costs for companies in the M&E Sector are attributable to administered prices in one form or another. This, in itself, should highlight the pressure that this line item contributes to input costs. These are some cursory perspectives that highlight the need to fix the existing infrastructure. In this industrialisation framework the need to fix the infrastructure represents the demand-side of the equation. On the electricity side, while praiseworthy progress has been made on the load-shedding front, a slight increase in economic growth will put pressure on the available electricity capacity and either choke the growth or tip the country back into load-shedding. Hence, the urgent need to expand the transmission and distribution network while concurrently adding additional generation capacity. On logistics, expanding the rail network and fixing port operations is required to enhance economic efficiency and connectivity. Water infrastructure requires the most urgent attention on water treatment facilities and pipeline repairs. All of these investments amount to billions of rands and present an immediate off-take, demand-wise, for industry. On the supply side of the equation, the M&E Sector comprises companies that supply products required in all these areas such as: transformers of all categories, transmissions lines, the supporting towers, equipment and instrumentation for substations, circuit breakers, capacitators and reactors for the electricity transmission network. On logistics, rails (made of steel), locomotives, rail joints, signalling equipment, overhead wires and various pieces of port equipment, including tug boats, can all be supplied locally. Lastly, for water infrastructure, valves of all types and sizes and steel pipes are manufactured and supplied from this sector. Measured at an aggregated sectoral level, capacity in the sector is underutilised, recording 70% year-to-date 2024. The aggregate statistics, however, mask some crucial detail, for example a recent study of the electrical cable manufacturing industry (which is a sub-industry of the M&E Sector) revealed a volume adjusted capacity utilisation recording of 42%. This situation should not be allowed to persist because at these capacity levels, factories are just not sustainable. The M&E Sectors production and

“The reforms being considered by National Treasury with regard to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the funding of public sector projects are commendable and must be fast-tracked.” solution be found. Regrettably, the current state of the public purse does not allow for this. Therefore, it is crucial that the state look to crowd-in private sector investment, capability and capacity. The reforms being considered by National Treasury with regard to Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP) in the funding of public sector projects are commendable and must be fast-tracked. Particularly crucial, is the category of projects referred to as low value (below R2 billion) that will enjoy the exemption of certain Treasury obligations thereby fast tracking the projects through reducing the administrative burden. On a micro-level, the projects that would be considered under this proposed framework would typically fall into this category. The recent signing into law of the Public Procurement Act also presents a crucial milestone with regard to the provisions that are made in the Act on preference for local production. The intersection of these three crucial considerations, namely: the urgent demand that needs to be met, the under-utilised supply and the funding options under the PPP framework, present a sweet-spot for a large scale and immediate industrialisation program. Ultimately, fixing the existing infrastructure base not only resolves the immediate pressing problems, but will make the country an attractive destination for even more long term infrastructure investment, thereby creating a virtuous industrialisation cycle.  Tafadzwa Chibanguza, the Chief Operations Officer of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa.

employment trends which have contracted at a rate of 1,2% (CAGR) and 1,4% (CAGR), respectively, over the last 15 years are partly attributable to low demand and capacity utilisation levels. In this industrialisation framework companies in the M&E sector can quite easily increase production to meet demand with minimal investment required. The last leg of this argument is the funding component. The extent of the historic under investment and maintenance backlog, which runs into billions, coupled with the urgency to resolve bottlenecks, requires that an urgent

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MARKETPLACE

ʻVirtually getting AWAY WITH MURDER’ Anyone deemed to be an employer in the construction industry – including owners, developers, clients, designers such as architects, principal contractors, contractors and even supervisors – can be charged with culpable homicide or even murder in the event of a person being killed on a construction site due to non-compliance or negligence.

T his is the statement from Ernst van Biljon, Director at Legislation Compliance Specialists – a law firm specialising in Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), who was a keynote speaker at the OHS compliance seminar on “Reputational Damage in the Construction Industry”, hosted by Master Builders Association (MBA) North recently. “Many owners, managers and appointees in construction companies do not fully understand the gravity of their culpability,” he says. While none have been charged with murder as yet in South Africa, the common law makes it possible, he says. MBA North executive director, Mohau Mphomela, says the seminar was hosted as part of MBA North’s ongoing efforts to educate its members on topical issues in the industry. “Because of how relevant culpability is in the industry, we believe it is important to have experts such as van Biljon address our members on responsibility, culpability and the far-reaching impacts of events such as the incident in George, where more than 30 workers lost their lives, and more recently, in Ballito where four workers were buried alive.” he says. Van Biljon says in terms of the Construction Regulation 5.1, construction clients have to prepare a baseline risk assessment, health and safety specification, whereafter the principal contractor is to provide the health and safety plan. What many people are unaware of is that the regulations also apply to smaller projects and even double storey private homes, and that a project as apparently simple as painting a roof for these projects is classified as a construction work. If injuries occur on a construction site, an employer can be prosecuted in terms of section 38 of the OHS Act. “If the state can prove that the employer was negligent in not training the person, or not issuing PPE, or not supervising properly, and it caused an accident in which a person could

have died, the employer could face a R100 000 fine or two years in prison,” he says. “If a person dies on the construction site, any role player from designer/architect all the way down to the supervisor can be investigated, and if non-compliance or negligence are proven, they can be charged with culpable homicide. Alternative charges could include prosecution under various provisions of the OHS Act as well as regulations which include the Construction Regulations. However, if it could be argued it was foreseeable that non-compliance or negligent actions or omissions lead to people’s death, employers could also be prosecuted for murder, through dolus eventualis ,” van Biljon says. “Employers have a duty of care to look after employees as well as people other than their employees such as visitors etc., and if they fail to do so, they are deemed to be negligent.” He explains: “The reasonable person test – which courts use to determine if a person was negligent – looks at whether a reasonable person could have foreseen the possibility of the incident happening, and taken action to prevent it.” Van Biljon says the legislation is highly prescriptive around the duties of every stakeholder in a bid The penalties if convicted in a Regional Court could be a fine of up to R600 000 or 15 years in prison. However, in the High Court, fines could amount to millions of Rands, with prison sentences up to 25 years. Van Biljon notes employers could also face civil suits if found negligent. In addition, because employers in South Africa are legally required to provide a safe working environment, non-compliance can result in severe legal penalties and fines should a prosecution be recommended by the to avoid negligence. Potential penalties

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reported accidents in 2022, with 18 fatal accidents while 2023 saw 2612 reported accidents with 13 fatalities. “Things can very easily go wrong on a construction site. We have to be compliant, and make sure all parties are trained and competent,” he said. To reduce risk and improve health and safety on site, Legislation Compliance Specialists offer proactive legal auditing and OHS training, and MBA North offers members construction health and safety services, training and workshops. Mphomela notes: “MBA North offers training workshops and seminars on all aspects of health and safety compliance to help contractors mitigate these kinds of risks. Education and ongoing awareness go a long way to preventing accidents and fatalities on site.” “Focusing on workplace safety is essential for South African construction companies to avoid legal and financial risks, protect their reputation and prevent litigation, all of which are crucial for maintaining a successful and sustainable business. “Supporting this, it is crucial that organisations such as the MBA and FEM ensure that contractors are accredited and reputable and that safety is prioritized,” concludes Mphomela. 

Department of Employment and Labour. Accidents on site can also lead to substantial financial losses such as medical costs, workers' compensation claims, increased insurance premiums and legal fees. Additionally, downtime due to number of Prohibition Notices issued by the Department of Employment and Labour has notably increased. An area often overlooked is the cost of reputational damage: a company known for poor safety practices can negatively affect its ability to win new contracts, retain clients and could affect the organisation’s share price. Improving OHS on site Van Biljon believes the number of construction accidents, injuries and fatalities is on the increase in South Africa. “In my opinion, many people are oblivious to what could go wrong and there is a lack of proper risk assessment processes,” he says. Notably, he says that since the Specialist Court for occupational health and safety matters was disbanded, the success rate in prosecutions has decreased. We must protect workers and provide them with decent, dignified healthy and safe working environments. According to The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) statistics, the construction sector had 2383

How can the construction sector achieve its TRANSFORMATION AGENDA? In the South African context, transformation refers to the comprehensive and ongoing efforts to address and redress the inequalities from the past, including their impacts on various sectors and the economy. By Nosiyabonga Mongane, President, South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession

F or South Africa, true transformation involves fostering inclusivity, economic growth, and development. Achieving growth without transformation will perpetuate the

gap, prioritising skill development is essential for economic growth and development. One effective approach to mitigating this shortage is by prioritising Built Environment Professional Registration.

unbalanced pattern of wealth inherited from the past, while transformation without growth would be unsustainable

These professionals are crucial for the successful execution of construction projects. The lack of experienced professionals has significantly hampered the industry's growth. Therefore, advancing

and limited in scope. Therefore, focusing on transformation that enhances and expands economic

benefits and participation is crucial for advancing South Africa’s growth and development. The construction sector has experienced a slower transformation compared to other industries. Implementing

professional registration for previously disadvantaged individuals is a key aspect of achieving transformation and fostering economic growth in the construction sector. The various statutory bodies, depending on the specific profession within the construction

skills development programs can significantly help in achieving broader industry transformation goals by equipping previously disadvantaged individuals with the skills and experience necessary for success and advancement within the industry. This includes promoting diversity and inclusion by targeting underrepresented groups, such as young people and women. Infrastructure, as a driver of economic growth, requires a well-trained workforce to meet its demands. Currently, the construction industry faces a shortage of skilled labour, with demand continually surpassing supply. To address this skills

industry, oversee the process of professional

registration. To achieve their professional registration goals, graduates need to be encouraged to complete their registration with the relevant statutory council. The implementation of skills development programmes by the private and public sectors is also crucial for supporting graduates and fulfilling the transformation agenda. This will ensure a steady flow of skilled individuals who can meet the evolving demands of the construction industry. 

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COVER STORY

Public structures need to be protected by using durable construction materials.

THROUGH NINE DECADES, AFRISAM serves each phase of SA’s growth Throughout its 90 years, construction materials leader AfriSam has been an active champion of leading edge technology and global best practice in South Africa; from high performance materials and durability standards to advanced mixes and sustainable solutions, it has over the decades become a pillar of the construction sector.

“O ur evolution as a business has mirrored the changing needs and opportunities of our markets,” says Amit Dawneerangen, AfriSam’s Executive Construction Materials: Sales and Product Technical. “As South Africa has grown, we have built our expertise and technology base to take the lead in applying world class standards, so that our construction industry could make the best possible contribution to the country’s infrastructure.” Each era of South Africa’s economic development has been able to benefit from AfriSam’s presence. In the early days after its inception in 1934, the then-Anglovaal Portland Cement Company supported reconstruction efforts after World War II. In the 1950s and 1960s, the country’s urban areas grew

quickly, demanding construction materials for residential housing and other projects. The decades of the 1970s and 1980s saw the pace of infrastructure projects ramp up further, with highways, dams and bridges needing a new generation of high performance construction materials. “The pressure to complete larger and more projects meant contractors increasingly wanted to fast track their work,” says Dawneerangen. “The performance of construction materials had to evolve, and AfriSam was proactive in developing solutions that would give customers flexibility to work more productively.” The vital factor of quality and durability now also came under the spotlight, as this determined the expected lifespan

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AfriSam is also an important contributor to environmental sustainability.

durability standards and the related testing were adopted by key government agencies responsible for infrastructure – and from there were embraced by ever wider circles within the construction industry. “Durability is a particular concern for any concrete structures which are permanently exposed to the elements,” he highlights. “To make the most of the substantial investments they require, these structures need to withstand aggressive environments without needing any undue attention before the end of their design lives.” Applying these new durability standards, however, was initially no simple matter – requiring key players like AfriSam to participate actively in an industry-based Durability Committee to standardise the necessary testing equipment and methods. “Indeed, we took a leading role in the process by establishing a dedicated Durability Laboratory at our Centre of Product Excellence in Roodepoort,” he explains. “Apart from the universities, we were one of the first to install the correct test equipment – allowing us to assess various concrete mixes in terms of their compliance with durability specifications.” AfriSam was able to conduct these tests for contractors nationwide – even for projects in which the company was not directly involved. Importantly, this work coincided with progress AfriSam had already made in its understanding of supplementary cementitious materials. Until this time, it was widely accepted that the quality of a concrete was primarily a function of the volume of cement it contained. Alternative materials – like pulverised fly ash or granulated blast furnace

of large high investment projects on which the economy relied. He points out that it was no longer enough to satisfy only a structure’s strength requirements during and after construction. It was also vital to optimise longevity, and ensure maintenance costs were kept to a minimum. “Especially with public structures like bridges and roads, large investments were being made in the country’s future, and these investments needed to be protected, inter alia , through more durable construction materials,” he explains. “Apart from the cost of maintaining public assets like these, there are also severe disruptions caused when structures have to be repaired.” In the 1990s, therefore, durability in construction became a strong theme of international best practice, which South Africa embraced enthusiastically. AfriSam, he says, took a leading role in producing the materials that would allow projects to meet the exacting durability specifications being developed and applied. “We also took a keen interest in understanding how the relevant tests needed to be conducted, so concrete could comply with new durability standards,” he says. “This became very important in the 2000s, during the build-up to the hosting of the Soccer World Cup in 2010. During this time, many of these specifications were applied in the construction of stadiums, the Gautrain, airport upgrades and other mega-projects.” Dawneerangen pays tribute to two academics in particular – Professor Mark Alexander at the University of Cape Town and Professor Yunus Ballim at the University of the Witwatersrand – who pioneered South Africa’s Durability Index tests. The

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COVER STORY

change took centre stage in the global narrative, all sectors began to embrace the need to respond in the most responsible ways to safeguard the future of the planet. “We were able to become more energy efficient in our production of cement, and also in the production of concrete through strategies including the use of supplementary cementitious materials,” he says. “Our research and innovation allowed us to pass these benefits onto our customers and their end-clients, who were also looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints.” Moving with the times, AfriSam embraced automation and digital technologies to ensure it delivers services that are cost effective. The latest batching systems in its readymix concrete business, for instance, impact directly on efficiency, which holds down costs and ensures minimal wastage. “Our measuring and tracking systems are now so advanced that there is very little space for human error,” he says. “This means quantities are always exact, giving customers peace of mind and ensuring that our concrete gives structures the longevity which is expected.” Today, highlights Dawneerangen, a key industry focus is on developing and retaining the skills the construction sector demands – to maintain and grow a modern infrastructure. He acknowledges that the country has lost vital skills, but AfriSam has stepped up to the plate, supporting customers in specialised duties like concrete mix designs and best practice in terms of application. Its 90 year legacy has given it a depth of expertise across the range of construction materials – which it still readily shares with new entrants. “We are committed to exposing engineering students to the world of concrete, cement and other construction materials, and regularly engage with universities,” he says. “Where possible, we encourage and support university-level research, to foster technology development in our fields.” After 90 years, he says, AfriSam continues as it began: with a passion to create concrete possibilities through quality service and products, scientific excellence and a commitment to meet customers’ most challenging demands on site. 

slag – were considered as just extenders to reduce the portion of the cement component. “With the experience and technical expertise we had developed, we could research this field scientifically, and had identified that cementitious material like fly ash and slag could, in fact, enhance the durability properties of concrete,” says Dawneerangen. In addition to making valuable advances in concrete durability, these innovations from AfriSam were also an important contribution to another emerging theme in South Africa’s economic life: environmental sustainability. As climate

AfriSam will continue with its commitment to meet customer’s challenging demands on site.

A key focus for AfriSam is developing and retaining the skills the construction sector demands.

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Moving mountains WITH JOHN DEERE ADTs Introducing John Deere's 410 and 460 P-Tier Dump Trucks for Southern African coal and quarrying applications.

J ohn Deere, a renowned leader in the construction and agricultural sectors, continues to innovate with its latest offerings, the John Deere 410 and 460 P-Tier Dump Trucks. These articulated dump trucks (ADTs) are designed to deliver exceptional power, productivity, and performance, highlighting John Deere’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers, particularly in the coal and quarrying industries. Powerful and efficient At the core of the P-Tier Dump Truck is a robust and fuel-efficient engine, generating impressive torque and horsepower to handle the toughest tasks effortlessly. The advanced engine management system in both the 460 and 410 P-Tier models optimises torque curves and differential locks while selecting the ideal gear ratio, ensuring peak productivity and fuel efficiency. Whether navigating rugged terrains or transporting heavy loads, these ADTs excel in challenging South African conditions. Enhanced productivity and technology The P-Tier Dump Trucks elevate productivity through cutting-edge technology and intelligent design. These ADTs automatically adjust engine torque curves, differential locks, and select the optimum gear ratio, ensuring seamless operation and enhanced productivity. John Deere’s suite of construction technology in the ADT

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